'Great to be alive' George Michael in triumphant return

09/05/12

George Michael has resumed his Symphonica Tour, almost ten months after the tour had to be postponed as he faced life-threatening pneumonia. He has made a triumphant return to the stage at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna last night.

George Michael paid tribute to the medical staff who saved his life: "I'd like to take the opportunity to say that there are a number of people without whom none of us would be here tonight. This is one of the greatest honours of my life, to sing to the men and women who saved my life," he said, before singing Feeling Good - a request from one of the doctors.

Backed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, he sang flawless and powerful covers of Russian Roulette and Wild is the Wind, as well as his own songs including Father Figure, Waiting For That Day and A Different Corner. Before his final song, White Light, he revealed: "One last treat for you all before we go. I think given the manner of men and women who did save my life, we could not go without singing this song. Let's hear it for the people who saved my life!"